Monday, January 3, 2011

Broccoli & Cheese Soup

I hope you all had a Safe and Happy Holiday Season! The Gridiron Gang had a WONDERFUL Christmas and a RELAXING New Year...just the way we wanted it!

I'm easing back into the blog with a quick and simple recipe that's just perfect for a nice hot lunch on those cold January days that lie ahead. This is my go to meal this time of year when I'm in a hurry, but still want something warm and satisfing to eat. Now all you foodies out there, don't scoff because I use Velveeta. I've tried other "real" cheeses and Velveeta really is the best choice for this recipe. Besides, I'm a Southern girl and using processed cheese products is in our genes!

Give it a try, I really think you'll dig it.

Broccoli And Cheese Soup

1 can of chicken broth

2 cups broccoli, chopped (fresh or frozen)

1/2 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy whipping cream

8oz Velveeta cheese, cubed

salt & pepper

In a medium size sauce pan, add chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add broccoli, onion and garlic, and gently boil for about 5 minutes until vegetables are tender. Reduce heat and pour in whipping cream and add velveeta. Stir until cheese is melted and the soup is thickened to desired consistancy. Add salt and pepper to taste. Spoon into cup and top with croutons* or serve over rice.

*You can easily make your own homemade croutons, but I love these so much that I keep a bag in my pantry at all times.

V, I use an immersion blender to make the soup smooth and my kids LOVE it. I just call it "cheese soup" and don't mention that it's full of broccoli...LOL. You could also toss in some carrots and celery.

did V just say she can't get VELVEETA cheese????? Oh My...that yankee world is a whole different place, eh?? (she's gonna get me for saying that!) And YUM...making this one. My recipe isn't half as fattening so it can't be as good.and the cap'n is gonna die when he finds out they make the Texas toast croutons. I've not seen those yet. But man, oh man....he can eat a whole box of the toast in two nights....Love your graphics!

Happily married to a college football coach for 14 wonderful years, mom to 2 amazing little knuckleheads, photographer, crafty chick, loves to cook, wannabe gardener, beach bum, pool floater, Saints fan, happy girl ___
ORIGIN: Natchitoches, Louisiana___
MAY BE SEEN: Getting rowdy at football games, riding on a Mardi Gras float, arguing with my computer, jumping curbs in the minivan, with my nose in a book, dreaming about a vacation, digging in the dirt, chasing kids and acting crazy with a camera strapped around my neck___
SECRET WEAPON: PhotoShop___
CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT: Flipflops, Coca~Cola, computer, camera, library card, kids' giggles, husband's love and support___
ENEMIES: Long lines, slow drivers, hurricanes___
HEROES: Parents who made sure I've been loved every day of my life, my children who make me laugh until my belly hurts and my wonderful husband for always saying yes to my crazy ideas and loving me uncondionally no matter what___
LITTLE KNOWN FACT: Can recite all 50 states in alphabetical order in under 30 seconds